Bundle up and embrace the chill. Capital Region locals searching for outdoor winter day trips have a variety of options in Albany County. From snowshoeing, to outdoor exhibits, to winter hikes, to a self-guided walking tour podcast, Albany County has activities worth facing the cold weather. Scroll on for ideas for your next outdoor winter day trip in Albany, New York!
Snowshoe at the Huyck Preserve
Embark on a day trip to the Helderberg Hilltowns for a snowshoeing adventure at the Huyck Preserve! During the snowy months, snowshoe on over 12 miles of trails meandering through a peaceful wooded forest and along a frozen Lake Myosotis. The Huyck Preserve Visitors' Center offers snowshoe rentals in youth and adult sizes on Monday to Thursday. Interested in cross-country skiing? While rentals are not available and trails are not specifically created for this winter activity, cross-country skiers can use the Race Track, Partridge Path, and Partridge Path Loop 3. If the weather does not cooperate with your plans for a snowy excursion, go on a winter hike!
Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy's 22 Preserve Challenge
In 2021, the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy opened its 20th preserve, the Touhey Family Preserve in Delmar. To celebrate, MHLC launched the 20 Preserve Challenge encouraging outdoor adventurers to visit all preserves to receive a limited-edition sticker. Since the launch of the challenge, MHLC acquired the Bender Melon Farm Preserve and the Noonan Preserve. Now visitors are encouraged to explore all 22 to complete the challenge!
From the Winn Preserve in Knox, to the Hollyhock Hollow Sanctuary in Selkirk, several of the preserves are great spots to explore during the winter months. Wolf Creek Falls Preserve, tucked in the Helderberg Hilltowns, offers spectacular winter views of frozen waterfalls and streams. Before heading out, make sure to check MHLC's trail conditions page for updated information and tips!
Embark on a Winter Adventure at John Boyd Thacher State Park
John Boyd Thacher State Park is a winter day trip destination for adventure seekers. Throughout the frosty months, explorers can cross-country ski, snowshoe, hike, mountain bike and snowmobile on designated trails through snow-covered forests and past icy waterfalls. Thompson's Lake, conveniently nestled within Thacher Park, is a must-visit spot for ice fishing. Nearby, the Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center offers snowshoe rentals, subject to availability.
Explore the Albany Pine Bush Preserve
Brave the cold temperatures for a day trip to the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. If it is a snowy day, the preserve's gently rolling sand-dunes create slopes that are perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. If your day trip falls on a not-so-snowy day, the preserve has over 20 miles of multi-use trails for a winter hike among the pine barrens. It is a serene spot to connect with nature in the heart of Albany County!
Tour Downtown Albany with the Artful Albany Podcast
Grab your hat and gloves and explore the streets of downtown Albany with the Artful Albany podcast. Each podcast episode is a self-guided walking tour that explores Albany's 400 year-old history and the #CapitalWalls mural projects. You'll hear from some of the artists behind the murals and brush up on your historical fun facts about downtown Albany.
The Artful Albany podcast is presented by Discover Albany, Downtown Albany BID and Albany Center Gallery.
